Physics HL

Expert's Insight: McGill grants 6 credits for Physics HL (5+), exempting you from PHYS 101/102. The Trap: While you get the credits, Physics Majors and Engineers normally take PHYS 131/142, which are calculus-based. By using IB transfer credits, you are skipping the rigorous foundation and jumping straight into PHYS 230. Reality Check: IB Physics HL is algebra-based. You have likely never used an integral to solve a mechanics problem. PHYS 230 assumes you are fluent in deriving differential equations and using complex exponentials for waves. The Danger Zone: You will be sitting next to students who spent the last year applying Calculus 2 to physics problems. You haven't. Pro Tip: Your gap isn't 'Physics concepts'—it's Mathematical Physics. Before September, you must master: • ODEs: Separation of variables (used immediately in PHYS 230). • Complex Numbers: Euler's formula (e^iθ) for wave mechanics. • Vector Calculus: If you can't do a line integral, you will drown.

Expert's Insight: ENGINEERING HARD POLICY: McMaster Engineering does not accept IB Physics HL for core credit. Even with a 7, you must take PHYS 1D03 (Mechanics) with everyone else. The 'Ghost Credit' Reality: You might see 3 generic transfer units (e.g., PHYS 1***) on your transcript, but they are effectively useless. The Catch: Engineering schedules are rigid. Your few elective slots are reserved for Complementary Studies (Humanities/Social Sciences), not extra Science. The Result: These credits sit on your transcript but do not reduce your workload, tuition, or time to degree. Strategic Verdict: Don't bank on saving time or money here. The real value of IB Physics is performance, not exemption. You have seen this material before—use that advantage to crush the PHYS 1D03 midterms and pad your first-year GPA.

Expert's Insight: TRANSFER CREDIT LIKELY – BUT PROGRAM-DEPENDENT McMaster's Faculty of Science policy allows advanced credit for IB Higher Level courses with a minimum grade of 5. Student reports indicate that IB Physics HL may grant credit equivalent to PHYS 1A03 + PHYS 1AA3 (6 units). However, the practical value depends on your specific program: Life Sciences Gateway → Physics is commonly required (PHYS 1A03 or 1C03). Credit can be useful if it's granted as an equivalent course and accepted for your pathway. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology → Some streams need physics; check degree requirements. Physics/Astrophysics → Credit may satisfy prerequisites, but many students still choose the more math-intensive stream (e.g., 1C03/1CC3) for preparation. Check program rules. Integrated Science (iSci) → Likely not applicable; iSci replaces standard first-year courses. Arts & Science → May allow flexibility; confirm with program advisor. Bottom Line: Having 6 units of transfer credit looks great on paper—but it only saves you time and money if those courses count toward your degree. Always cross-reference with your program's course requirements before banking on savings.

Expert's Insight: REAL CREDIT IN SCIENCE — BUT PHYSICS MAJORS SHOULD PAUSE The Good News: Queen's awards PHYS 117 (6.0 units) for IB Physics HL (Score 5+). This is a full-year physics credit with a lab component. The Catch (Physics Majors): If you plan to major in Physics or Astrophysics, you cannot use this credit. The Rule: Your degree plan explicitly requires PHYS 104 or PHYS 106. The Trap: PHYS 117 is an exclusion to these courses. You cannot count both. You will have to forfeit the credit and take the required course. The Decision Rule: Life Sci / Biology / General Science: TAKE THE CREDIT. It clears your physics requirement instantly and frees up a massive 6.0-unit slot in your schedule. Physics Majors: IGNORE THE CREDIT. You need the calculus-based PHYS 104/106 foundation. Smith Engineering: NO CREDIT. This credit does not apply to you. You must take APSC 111/112. Bottom Line: A fantastic time-saver for future doctors and biologists, but a "ghost credit" for physicists and engineers.

Expert's Insight: REAL CREDIT IN SCIENCE — BUT PHYSICS MAJORS SHOULD PAUSE The Good News: Queen's awards PHYS 117 (6.0 units) for IB Physics HL (Score 5+). This is a full-year physics credit with a lab component. The Catch (Physics Majors): If you plan to major in Physics or Astrophysics, you cannot use this credit. The Rule: Your degree plan explicitly requires PHYS 104 or PHYS 106. The Trap: PHYS 117 is an exclusion to these courses. You cannot count both. You will have to forfeit the credit and take the required course. The Decision Rule: Life Sci / Biology / General Science: TAKE THE CREDIT. It clears your physics requirement instantly and frees up a massive 6.0-unit slot in your schedule. Physics Majors: IGNORE THE CREDIT. You need the calculus-based PHYS 104/106 foundation. Smith Engineering: NO CREDIT. This credit does not apply to you. You must take APSC 111/112. Bottom Line: A fantastic time-saver for future doctors and biologists, but a "ghost credit" for physicists and engineers.

Expert's Insight: REAL CREDIT IN SCIENCE — BUT PHYSICS MAJORS SHOULD PAUSE The Good News: Queen's awards PHYS 117 (6.0 units) for IB Physics HL (Score 5+). This is a full-year physics credit with a lab component. The Catch (Physics Majors): If you plan to major in Physics or Astrophysics, you cannot use this credit. The Rule: Your degree plan explicitly requires PHYS 104 or PHYS 106. The Trap: PHYS 117 is an exclusion to these courses. You cannot count both. You will have to forfeit the credit and take the required course. The Decision Rule: Life Sci / Biology / General Science: TAKE THE CREDIT. It clears your physics requirement instantly and frees up a massive 6.0-unit slot in your schedule. Physics Majors: IGNORE THE CREDIT. You need the calculus-based PHYS 104/106 foundation. Smith Engineering: NO CREDIT. This credit does not apply to you. You must take APSC 111/112. Bottom Line: A fantastic time-saver for future doctors and biologists, but a "ghost credit" for physicists and engineers.

Expert's Insight: REAL CREDIT IN SCIENCE — BUT PHYSICS MAJORS SHOULD PAUSE The Good News: Queen's awards PHYS 117 (6.0 units) for IB Physics HL (Score 5+). This is a full-year physics credit with a lab component. The Catch (Physics Majors): If you plan to major in Physics or Astrophysics, you cannot use this credit. The Rule: Your degree plan explicitly requires PHYS 104 or PHYS 106. The Trap: PHYS 117 is an exclusion to these courses. You cannot count both. You will have to forfeit the credit and take the required course. The Decision Rule: Life Sci / Biology / General Science: TAKE THE CREDIT. It clears your physics requirement instantly and frees up a massive 6.0-unit slot in your schedule. Physics Majors: IGNORE THE CREDIT. You need the calculus-based PHYS 104/106 foundation. Smith Engineering: NO CREDIT. This credit does not apply to you. You must take APSC 111/112. Bottom Line: A fantastic time-saver for future doctors and biologists, but a "ghost credit" for physicists and engineers.

Expert's Insight: REAL CREDIT IN SCIENCE — BUT PHYSICS MAJORS SHOULD PAUSE The Good News: Queen's awards PHYS 117 (6.0 units) for IB Physics HL (Score 5+). This is a full-year physics credit with a lab component. The Catch (Physics Majors): If you plan to major in Physics or Astrophysics, you cannot use this credit. The Rule: Your degree plan explicitly requires PHYS 104 or PHYS 106. The Trap: PHYS 117 is an exclusion to these courses. You cannot count both. You will have to forfeit the credit and take the required course. The Decision Rule: Life Sci / Biology / General Science: TAKE THE CREDIT. It clears your physics requirement instantly and frees up a massive 6.0-unit slot in your schedule. Physics Majors: IGNORE THE CREDIT. You need the calculus-based PHYS 104/106 foundation. Smith Engineering: NO CREDIT. This credit does not apply to you. You must take APSC 111/112. Bottom Line: A fantastic time-saver for future doctors and biologists, but a "ghost credit" for physicists and engineers.

Expert's Insight: SFU accepts that 5, but you're bypassing the intro, so PHYS 211 will be a shock. Self-study calculus-based mechanics and rotational dynamics immediately, or you'll be lost.